Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes.” Peter Drucker

9 Ways To Create (And Sustain)

A Positive Work Culture

· Word count for this issue: 565

· Approximate time to read: About 2.3 minutes

@ 250 words per minute

Your staff is the engine that drives the success of your business. To make your operation all that it can be, you must encourage your staff to work to the best of their ability. Thus, developing and maintaining a positive work culture should always be a top priority. Employees immersed in ahealthy environment generate far better results than those who are not. That is why we put together a list of nine tips for creating the healthy environment employees need.

1. Advertise Openings In Trade Publications – When you are looking for a new hire, be sure to advertise through a trade publication. If you do, you will have a better chance of finding a candidate who is sincerely interested in their profession.

2. Contact References When Hiring – Never hesitate to contact a candidate’s previous employers, as they can be an extremely valuable resource. To ensure you reach them, contact them via phone as opposed to e-mail or letter.

3. Enforce Company Policies Consistently – The workplace should be a level playing field where everyone follows the same rules. State policies clearly in a staff handbook and make sure rules are enforced equally throughout the company.

4. Give An Exit Interview – When an employee leaves the company, make a point of giving an exit interview. Exit interviews are a smart way to learn more about your work culture and identify any problems you ought to address. They also help minimize negative word-of-mouth from ex-employees.

5. Make Communication A Priority – Strong team bonds result in more positive work attitudes. Furthermore, team communication is crucial for maintaining productivity. Keep everyone in the loop and keep in contact regularly via meetings, e-mails and even a bulletin board.

6. Offer Creative Incentives – Competitive positions such as sales need not be incentivized with monetary bonuses. Benefits like job-share and flextime can be just as appealing to employees since it allows them to have more control over their work life.

7. Use A Referral Program – When a position opens up, your employees may know people who would suit the role — and your company. Encourage them to speak up by creating a formal referral program and rewarding them for their participation.

8. Welcome New Hires – First impressions are always important, especially in the workplace. If a new hire feels unwelcome on their first day in the office, it will negatively affect their productivity. It usually takes 60 to 90 days for new hires to acclimate, so make sure you do everything you can to make them feel welcome during that period.

9. Write Accurate Job Descriptions – If you want the right person for the job, you have to describe who the right person is. When you advertise, give a detailed job description that includes level of skill needed, prior experience required and whether or not further training will be necessary.

Executive Summary: Every business should make sure its employees work in as healthy an environment as possible. Be selective with who you hire, maintain a positive culture at all times and make sure employees who leave the company do so on a good note. After all, your business is only as strong as its people.